No, the Tesla Model 3 does not include a traditional jack for changing tires. There is no jack, portable tire inflator, or tire repair kit in the trunk. You can purchase an aftermarket repair kit to repair small punctures and maintain tire pressure until you can get to a service center. If you need a tire changed, call the Tesla roadside assistance center at 877-798-3752.
There are a few reasons why the Model 3 does not come with a jack or spare tire. EVs are heavier than standard gasoline vehicles, and the EV makers want their vehicles to be faster than gasoline cars, so there has to be a sacrifice.
This post will explain why your Model 3 has no jack and how you can quickly change your flat tire. Read on to find out what comes with your new Model 3 and how to jack it up when you have a flat tire.
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Why Does the Tesla Model 3 Not Come With A Jack?
While Tesla Model 3 vehicles are excellent electric cars, they do not come with a jack or spare tire. The car does not come with a self-inflating kit if you need to repair a flat or deflated tire. There are reasons for this. Some of the reasons include the following:
1. To reduce the weight
EV cars are already weighty, and you do not want to add extra weight that will reduce the car’s speed. The car has lithium-ion batteries and large computers that are already capable of weighing it down and reducing its speed.
Also, the batteries are located at the car’s base and are highly volatile. If the jack is incorrectly placed, it can damage the batteries and cause unexpected harm. That is why Tesla is not equipping the car with a jack and spare tire.
Though Tesla is not supplying a jack with the Model 3, you can buy one from Tesla or third-party Tesla jack dealers. The only precaution you need to take is to ensure you are not placing the jack where it can damage the car’s batteries.
2. To reduce the cost
Jack and spare tire, along with the self-inflating kit, may add extra costs to the initial cost of the Tesla Model 3, so Tesla is trying to reduce the cost by making the jack, spare tire, and self-inflating kit optional. Of course, Tesla also wants to make more profit to make the car’s technology better all the time.
Thankfully, Tesla is providing you with excellent customer service. You can easily reach out to Tesla roadside assistance whenever you have a flat, and they will respond immediately. So, you may not need a jack or a spare tire.
However, if you always travel long distances, you may want to get a jack and a spare tire to avoid waiting for roadside assistance whenever you have a flat. Make sure you carefully put your jack and spare tire in the car.
What Should You Do If You Have A Flat Tire?
A flat tire can occur for many reasons, from a worn tire to bad terrain to a nail or sharp object on the road. Tesla tire quality does not prevent your Model 3 tire from getting punctured or having low pressure.
As a Tesla customer, if you have a flat tire, you can call for help on the side of the road. Your new Model 3 gets an instant four-year or 50,000-mile warranty and Roadside Assist for flat tires once you buy it. So, you cannot change your flat tires anyway. Here is what to do:
1. Call Roadside Assist
When you have a flat tire, here is what you need to do:
- Open your Tesla app and choose Roadside Assist.
- Choose the relevant issue, which in your case is “flat tire.”
- Choose Request Help
Tesla Roadside Assist should be with you within 1 to 2 hours, depending on where you are. Depending on the severity of your flat tire, Tesla Roadside Assist personnel will either provide you with a loaner wheel or tow your car to the closest Tesla repair shop.
If you are provided with a loaner wheel, most Teslas will provide 50 miles, which will charge you for mileage. If you do not have a jack and spare tire at home, it is better to let Tesla tow your car to a Tesla Service Center or a garage.
After you are out of warranty, you will need to call a tow truck and tell them your Tesla car has a flat tire because the Model 3 needs to be towed in a certain way to avoid damaging the car’s batteries and computers.
2. Get a Jack
Getting a jack and a spare tire is the best way to ensure you do not waste time when you have a flat. If you have a jack, the Model 3 already comes with a jack pad, so all you need to do is bring out your jack and spare tire and replace the flat tire.
You can rotate your tires with a jack and a spare tire. It would be best to be mindful of where you put your jack and tire.
3. Use the Tesla loaner wheel.
In some parts of North America, Roadside Assistance brings a Tesla Loaner Wheel along when you call them for a flat tire. They will swap it with your flat tire, then put it in a plastic bag in your car.
But you need to return the loaner wheel to the Tesla Service Center when you return from your trip. They will help you fix your tire and take back your loaner wheel. If your tire is terrible, you may be asked to buy a new one.
4. Get the Tesla Self-Inflating Kit
A Tesla self-inflating kit is another way to keep your car on the road. This kit lets you inflate your tire and patch the tire. If you do not want always to call Tesla Roadside Assistance, which can take between 1 and 2 hours before coming to your location, you need this tool.
Conclusion
The Tesla Model 3 does not come with a jack. This is because the Model 3 is fully electric, and since Tesla offers roadside assistance, you do not necessarily need one. The car is already heavy because of the batteries and computers, so adding a jack will make it heavier.
If you travel long distances, you may purchase a jack, but be careful where you place it in the car to avoid damaging the highly volatile batteries.
